The Monkey Farm combines animal rescue, addiction recovery, and community empowerment, offering an innovative approach to healing in Costa Rica.
A Sanctuary for All Beings
Imagine a place where healing doesn’t just focus on one species but extends to everyone who walks through its gates. In the heart of Costa Rica, The Monkey Farm is not just a rescue center for animals—it is a transformative force that offers hope, healing, and a fresh start for both humans and animals alike. What started as a simple idea to rescue monkeys has evolved into a thriving community project, offering rehabilitation for addiction, emotional trauma healing, and an education system that empowers those in need. At The Monkey Farm, every life matters, and everyone has the opportunity to start anew.
The Evolution of The Monkey Farm
Founded by Vicki Conley in 2013, The Monkey Farm began with the dream of saving monkeys and providing them with a safe haven. However, as the years passed, the vision expanded. The Monkey Farm became much more than a place to house animals—it became a sanctuary where the community could come together to heal. From its humble beginnings, the farm has grown into a vital community resource, offering everything from free meals for the homeless to addiction recovery programs, trauma healing, and even equine therapy for children with disabilities.
The farm’s first success came when it began offering weekly meals to the homeless of Playas del Coco in 2015. Every Tuesday, the farm served a hearty meal alongside messages of hope and encouragement, establishing a foundation of compassion that would grow to shape the farm’s ethos. In 2016, The Monkey Farm expanded its community services by giving free English classes to local adults, helping them access better job opportunities and improving their quality of life. By providing educational support, the farm began to empower the community, giving individuals the tools they needed to break free from poverty.
A New Approach to Addiction Recovery
The turning point for The Monkey Farm came in 2019 when two homeless men at their weekly dinner asked for help to overcome their addictions. Inspired by their courage, The Monkey Farm launched a free, faith-based residential addiction recovery program. Drawing on the success of the Teen Challenge program, the farm adopted a holistic approach to addiction recovery, blending faith, community service, animal care, and trauma healing. The men in recovery didn’t just live on the farm—they actively worked alongside the community, building skills that would help them reintegrate into society.
What sets The Monkey Farm’s recovery program apart is its comprehensive approach. Not only do the men receive addiction counseling, but they also engage in trauma healing, equine therapy, and hands-on farm work. The farm’s connection to the animals—whether through caring for goats, milking cows, or training horses—has proven to be a key part of the healing process. Through natural horsemanship therapy, which was introduced in 2022, the men in recovery bond with horses, learning patience, trust, emotional control, and discipline—skills that are critical to overcoming addiction.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
In 2020, The Monkey Farm expanded its focus once more, adding a new layer of healing by addressing trauma. The farm’s team realized that addiction was not the problem itself, but rather a symptom of unhealed trauma and emotional pain. This realization led to the introduction of trauma-focused recovery programs, which combined traditional recovery methods with therapeutic practices aimed at healing deep emotional wounds. The farm’s trauma healing initiatives include equine therapy, counseling, and life skills training, all of which are crucial for restoring the men’s sense of self-worth and giving them the tools they need to lead healthy, productive lives.
One of the most powerful aspects of The Monkey Farm’s healing process is the role of the animals. The animals at The Monkey Farm serve as part of the recovery journey. The farm’s therapeutic work with animals—such as horses, goats, and even buffalo—helps men reconnect with their emotions, rebuild trust, and develop a sense of responsibility. For many men, it is the first time they’ve ever felt needed or proud of themselves, and this connection to the animals becomes an important part of their transformation.
Growth and Expansion
As The Monkey Farm continues to grow, so does its impact. In 2024, the farm broke ground on a new dormitory to house 16 more men in the recovery program, expanding its reach and ability to serve the community. This expansion, coupled with the addition of mobile container units for staff housing, will allow The Monkey Farm to continue offering its services to more people in need.
One of the most exciting developments for the farm is its goal of becoming an officially certified addiction recovery center in Costa Rica. This certification will open doors for the farm to receive life-changing support from the government, including property and vehicle donations from drug traffickers and gang members, which will be used to fund recovery programs. The Monkey Farm’s pursuit of certification is just one of the many ways the farm continues to expand its reach and impact.
Become a Part of The Monkey Farm’s Mission
The Monkey Farm is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a community-driven movement that is changing lives. With its unique blend of animal rescue, addiction recovery, and community empowerment, The Monkey Farm offers a fresh approach to healing and transformation. By visiting the farm, donating, or getting involved in its programs, you can be a part of this mission to create lasting change. To learn more about how you can support The Monkey Farm, visit The Monkey Farm’s website. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Join us in helping to heal, empower, and transform communities through love and compassion.
